Project/Focus: Projects for Mission Groups are built around the interests and skills of the volunteer groups. Some typical projects performed by Mission Groups at UCOM incorporate work in one or more of the following areas and are needed on a regular basis: gardening/landscaping, repair, maintenance and painting of the building (inside and/or outside); tutoring elementary and middle school children; warehousing product; rotating inventory; personal shopping; bulk food repackaging; filing; data entry; sorting gently used clothing; artwork; photography; and many other operations and support activities.

Educational Components: UCOM's executive director is an ordained minister and former adjunct professor for Samaritan College. He will work with group leaders to customize an education/worship experience that involves group leaders and volunteers to whatever extent they wish to be involved. Staff and supportive area clergy are a willing resource to these programs at UCOM. UCOM collaborates with more than 20 service agencies and 16 UCC congregations that are willing to showcase how this work fits into the wider justice picture in great Grand Rapids.

Time: UCOM can utilize groups during any season though summer months make for more diversity of activities. The trip should be scheduled with our program director at least one month prior to arrival time.

Minimum Age: 12 years

Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:7

Conditions: Depending on the size of the group. UCOM can provide on-site comfortable space for 20 people with sleeping bags provided groups don't mind sleeping on floors. UCOM has four bathrooms and only two showers. Groups staying at UCOM will be asked to make a minimum donation $10 per person per night to help cover costs associated with the trip. UCOM can provide on-site communal meals for $5 per meal. In the event that your group chooses not to stay at UCOM our supporting churches are generally very generous both with "church sleeping spaces" and occasionally, individual congregants will take UCOM volunteers into their homes.

Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network that educates participants concerning the domestic and global hunger problem with the encouragement to make a lifelong commitment to being part of the solution.

Projects/Focus: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers’ fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is delivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.